The project aims to create a model for such veterans and people with disabilities to succeed in Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) programs.

This marks the second education-related award Dr. Cooper and his team have received in the past two months: this assistive technology and engineering award, and a July grant for a five-year, $2,999,000 study to support interdisciplinary research training in graduate-level engineering and rehabilitation. The previous grant entails traineeships to design innovative rehabilitation devices, systems, and techniques that not only assist people with disabilities participating in society but, at the HERL/SHRS research headquarters at Bakery Square, also utilize veterans and persons with disabilities as researchers and scientists.

“We’re extremely honored to receive these awards and excited to have the opportunity to directly help veterans and people with disabilities in the region and across the nation by creating models for how to succeed in STEM education,” said Dr. Cooper, the FISA & Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Chair and Distinguished Professor of the SHRS Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology.

The latest grant, officially awarded last Friday via the NSF Engineering and Education Center, takes effect Nov. 1, 2012. It is tentatively set to expire Oct. 31, 2015. The previous grant, scheduled from July 15, 2012 through mid-2017, was an award of the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeships (IGERT) through the NSF Division of Graduate Education.

Dr. Cooper, an internationally noted researcher and scientist, is the founding director and Veterans Health Administration Senior Research Career Scientist of the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of Excellence in Pittsburgh. He also is the co-director of the NSF Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center, a joint effort between Carnegie Mellon University and Pitt. He is a professor of bioengineering, mechanical engineering, physical medicine and rehabilitation and orthopaedic surgery at Pitt.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.